In conversation with Jo Tracy
1. Introduce yourself
Hi, I’m Jo & as well as working in the film & TV industry I’m mum to two girls, now 13 and 17, so I’m not exactly new to the work / life juggle but hopefully my years of experience can help in some way …
2. What is your job title
I’m a Script Editor / Development Producer / Development Exec. I’m a freelancer and the job + title varies, dependent on the company I’m working with.
When I had my first daughter I was a Producer, working on my first feature. The finance fell apart three months later and I decided (realised?) at that point I couldn’t produce and be a mum, so I returned to Development, which I’d worked in for the previous 10 years.
3. Who looks after the kids when you are working?
While I was breast feeding I had the girls with me at all times – I’d take them to meetings with me. That was fine until they became mobile, at which point I found (eventually!) a brilliant, flexible, nanny until they were each aged 2, when nursery places kicked in. As the girls are older now I don’t need the same kind of childcare, but they do still need me around, just in different ways (largely as a chauffeur) … I largely work from home, so I can juggle this relatively easily.
4. How long did you take off work after having your baby?
My waters broke while I was working on a script; as I was (I thought) heading into production, I literally had no time off & was largely to be found with a laptop on one knee and a baby on the other. This is not something I’d recommend!
5. Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?
Working from home, and being a freelancer, means it’s tricky to switch off and just have family time – there’s always something to watch or read, emails to respond to etc. I’ve only recently made myself take weekends off. This is partly self-inflicted, and partly to do with the precarious nature of work. In truth though, in terms of work / life balance, it’s a tricky juggle, but I think I’m lucky that the role I have means I do at least get time at home. And I love what I do, so …
6. Are you job sharing or working flexibly?
I’ve never job-shared or worked flexibly. When I was first pregnant I spoke to a number of producers about possibly joining forces on projects, but that didn’t work out.
7. What do you think is the hardest part of working in media/film/tv industry and being a parent?
Until recently I would have said the fact that I never felt ‘allowed’ to put my family first … I was expected to pick up the phone at any given time and simply be available at all times. There was no possibility of suggesting I had to do the swim lesson run, or school pick up etc. But since Lockdown I’ve been interested to watch all manner of Execs juggling with how to work from home with kids in the house – I’m hopeful that once this is all over there will be a greater understanding and acceptance of what working from home entails; what working with children entails; and that there will be a bit more generosity and space granted - perhaps.
8. What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?
It sounds a bit nebulous but just do it. There’s no one, clear, answer to how you make it work, but know that it can. Maybe find other women in your role who’ve already had kids and find out what they have to say – how they managed the difficulties specific to that role. As with most things in life, knowledge is power. And surrounding yourself with like-minded women brings many positives.
9. Any advice for anyone about to return to work after maternity?
You’re likely going to feel conflicted – that’s totally normal and you’ll find a way to deal with it, especially if you can share the feelings with someone else in the industry who understands/has been through the same.
Remember you’re as awesome post-kids as you were before – possibly even more so! Don’t let anyone make you feel that’s not the case. You can still absolutely do all you once did – and mo
The juggling will go on as long as the kids are at home with you – don’t think it’s just for a few years, till school starts; it’s long-term! This is your new norm.
10. What advice did you wish someone had given you?
All of the above.